Space Needle Tours and Activities

Puget Sound which includes modern architecture
Space Needle which includes outdoor art, railway items and cbd
Space Needle showing a city, views and general coastal views
Space Needle featuring skyline, a high-rise building and mist or fog
Space Needle


Seattle’s skyline is instantly recognizable when you see this soaring slender structure, built as a showpiece for the 1962 World’s Fair.

Seattle’s iconic Space Needle rises 605 feet (184 meters), like a beacon towering over the city. Erected in 1962, this unique building resembles a futuristic flying saucer set on irregular legs. 

The views are great, whether you’re looking up at the Space Needle from the grounds of the Seattle Center or looking down from the observation platform. The views are beautiful on a cloudy day and absolutely breathtaking when it’s sunny.

The tower is a comfortable walk of just over a mile (1.6 kilometers) from downtown. Alternatively, enjoy a ride on the Monorail, which leaves every 10 minutes from Westlake Center mall at Fifth Avenue and stops at the base of the Space Needle. Elevators whisk visitors up to the enclosed observation deck in a matter of seconds. On a fine day, step outside and walk all around the outdoor terrace for 360-degree views of the surrounding city. Free telescopes are strategically placed around the outside observation area.

Children in particular will love exploring the surrounding Seattle Center, with its green spaces and great fountain, and carts selling popcorn and rope licorice. The Pacific Science Center, a sidewalk away from the Needle, is a fun place to spend a few hours. Take in a show at the IMAX Theater, or gaze at the stars in the Willard Smith Planetarium. If you’re hungry, the Center House offers an expansive food court and sometimes entertainment.

Browse the gift shop at the Space Needle for all kinds of space-themed souvenirs to take home as a memento. 

The Space Needle is located in lower Queen Anne, about a 10-minute drive from downtown. Parking for a fee is available.  It’s open year round, day and evening.

Plan a trip to see Space Needle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Level Seattle Downtown - South Lake Union
1 Hotel Seattle
Lotte Hotel Seattle

Tours & day trips

See all 189 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 41 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 40 activities

Cruises & boat tours

See all 18 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 9 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Space Needle

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA

4 out of 5
1301 6th Avenue, Seattle, WA
Coast Seattle Downtown Hotel by APA
Executive Hotel Pacific

Executive Hotel Pacific

3 out of 5
400 Spring St, Seattle, WA
Executive Hotel Pacific
Mediterranean Inn

Mediterranean Inn

3 out of 5
425 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA
Mediterranean Inn
Hyatt Regency Seattle

Hyatt Regency Seattle

4 out of 5
808 Howell St, Seattle, WA
Hyatt Regency Seattle
The Belltown Inn

The Belltown Inn

2.5 out of 5
2301 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA
The Belltown Inn
citizenM Seattle South Lake Union

citizenM Seattle South Lake Union

4 out of 5
201 Westlake Avenue North, Seattle, WA
citizenM Seattle South Lake Union
Warwick Seattle

Warwick Seattle

3.5 out of 5
401 Lenora St, Seattle, WA
Warwick Seattle
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
724 Pine St, Seattle, WA
The Paramount Hotel
Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown

Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown

3 out of 5
201 Fifth Avenue North, Seattle, WA
Hyatt House Seattle/Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Space Needle

While visiting the iconic Space Needle in Seattle, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by exploring nearby theatres, shopping districts, and entertainment options. Don't miss out on area sightseeing and city tours, which offer fantastic photo opportunities. Additionally, keep an eye out for exciting events happening on campus, ensuring a memorable experience during your trip to Seattle.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is Pike Place Market, located 1.3km from the Space Needle, offering a vibrant public market atmosphere. Westlake Center is also 1.3km away and features family-friendly entertainment. Nordstrom is a store located 1.4km from the Space Needle for a touch of upscale shopping.

Recreation

T-Mobile Park offers an exhilarating sports atmosphere, perfect for catching a game and enjoying the energy of the crowd. Just a short distance away, Showbox SoDo provides vibrant entertainment with live music, while Golden Gardens Park invites you to relax with its tranquil beach and picturesque views.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water sports at the UW Waterfront Activities Center, located 4.8km from the Space Needle. For a dose of nature, head to Camp Long, 6.4km away, to enjoy outdoor activities. Mini Mountain, 14.5km distant, offers indoor skiing perfect for families and sports enthusiasts alike.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Space Needle! Catch a show at the Paramount Theatre for a touch of culture, enjoy thrilling views on the Seattle Great Wheel, or dance the night away at The Crocodile, where the city's energy and romance come alive.

Find the best attractions near Space Needle

When visiting the iconic Space Needle in Seattle, you'll find a variety of attractions to explore, including urban parks, art museums, and modern universities. This vibrant area offers experiences for culture enthusiasts and families alike, with stunning views of the Seattle skyline and the renowned Space Needle itself. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the rich local culture and enjoy the diverse activities available in and around this iconic landmark.

  • Seattle Waterfront: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Seattle Waterfront, a picturesque harbor featuring stunning views, beach vibes, and a lively promenade. Enjoy fresh seafood, local shops, and panoramic vistas of Elliott Bay.
  • Seattle Center: Just a stone's throw from the Space Needle, Seattle Center is an urban park perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With its fountains, gardens, and cultural attractions, it offers a lively city vibe for all ages.
  • Seattle Convention Center Arch Building: This impressive venue is the hub for business events and conferences. Its striking architecture and spacious interiors make it a focal point for professional gatherings in the heart of Seattle.

Best time to go to Space Needle

Visitor numbers around Space Needle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Space Needle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July67.1°F (19.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August67.5°F (19.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December39.2°F (4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Space Needle

To save money on your visit to the Space Needle in Seattle, explore free attractions such as Pike Place Market, Seattle Waterfront, and Seattle Center. Plan your trip between December and February for lower accommodation rates, with Mondays being the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia to compare room rates and filter for eco-certified hotels to find great deals. Consider booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Remember to sort options by price to ensure you get the best value for your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Space Needle are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Space Needle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Space Needle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation near the Space Needle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.